So I was reading the other day and several people were commenting on a drain tube that they had to have after surgery. What is this about? I was never told of anything like this. Could someone please clarify for me? I would appreciate it.

So I was reading the other day and several people were commenting on a drain tube that they had to have after surgery. What is this about? I was never told of anything like this. Could someone please clarify for me? I would appreciate it.

I had my surgery last Tuesday and have one. Seems like some doctors use them and some don't. My understanding is it helps detect infection from new stomach

Very doctor dependent. I never had any either.

Ok, some doctors require them to drain fluid. This tube is called a JP tube (Jackson Pratt). It is inserted in you thru one of you incision areas to drain fluid so no infection can start. The end of the tube is a bulb which is compressed so it has a steady suction using gravity. It is usually not left in more than a few days (most times removed before leaving the hospital).

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Thanks everyone. I had a tube for a month when I had a sick Gallbladder Bach in 2010. Hated it and just freaked when I started hearing it in these threads. Hopefully I won't get one. Have done all my tests and have been approved and meet with my surgeon on June 7 to get my date.